The conference will focus on industry challenges and opportunities around sustainability, innovations in technology and design, systems thinking and factories of the future.

Mark Dingley, chairman of the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which owns AUSPACK said: “We are excited to present the inaugural AUSPACK Business and Industry Conference in 2019. This great new education and information sharing opportunity for industry is another fantastic initiative in line with industry demand.”

The new conference is for decision makers, owners and key staff from the packaging and processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, along with associated industries such as design and print, marketing and advertising industry associations.

“The AUSPACK Business and Industry Conference is all about exploring new ideas and business potential through case studies, interactive Q&A sessions and keynote plenary sessions, of which there’ll be seven, along with 18 breakouts across two streams: ‘packaging & processing’ and ‘business growth,” Dingley said.

Opening keynote, day one: Dr Michael Okoroafor, Vice President Global Sustainability & Packaging at McCormick USA. Responsible for the strategic direction, policies, development and execution of agricultural, ingredient, product and packaging sustainability, plus packaging innovation capabilities globally, Dr Okoroafor was inducted into the Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame at PACK EXPO International. An innovation leader, he has over 40 patents to his name.

Opening keynote, day two: economist Stephen Koukoulas. One of Australia’s leading economic thinkers, Koukoulas is past senior economic advisor to the Prime Minister, chief economist of Citibank and head of global economic research in London for TD. His presentation will break down complex economic analysis into easily understandable terms.

Closing keynote, day two: Dr Katie Spearritt, CEO of Diversity Partners, will speak about “Innovation and Strength through Diversity”. Diversity Partners is a specialist consultancy that helps companies achieve diversity progress and create more inclusive and high-performing work environments, including a range of firms in Australia’s manufacturing sector. Dr Spearritt’s interactive session aims to have participants talking about diversity and inclusion in ways they might not have previously considered.

Conference MC: Craig Reucassel is a speaker, writer and comedian best known for his work on ABC’s TV program War on Waste and with The Chaser, which he co-founded.

The AUSPACK Business and Industry Conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tuesday 26 March to Wednesday 27 March, 2019.